News & Events Weekly Update

News & Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond.

Diocesan Works Fund Appeal

The DWF Appeal is being held across the Diocese of Parramatta during February 2017. Donations to the appeal will provide financial support to our not-for-profit social services. Each year, more than 20,000 inquiries for assistance are received by the Ephpheta Centre, which supports the deaf, and CatholicCare Social Services from refugees, youth, families, young mothers, the elderly and people with disability. To make a donation, click here

Positions vacant

1. Junior Graphic Designer: Full-time role based in the Diocesan Office in Parramatta. This entry-level role would suit final year design student or recent graduate. To obtain further details of the role, click here. Applications closing soon:careers@parra.catholic.org.au

2. Manager of Pastoral Services: CatholicCare Social Services Diocese of Parramatta is currently recruiting a Manager of Pastoral Services, who will be responsible for providing leadership and management to a team of Lay, Clergy and Religious Chaplains. For a confidential discussion about this role or to obtain a Position Description please contact Gregory tel (02) 8822 2222 or email an updated CV to careers@ccss.org.auApplications close 19 February 2017.

Family Lenten Program 2017

The Diocese of Parramatta’s Life, Marriage & Family Office has produced a Family Lenten Program as a support for families in their faith journey towards Easter. The program is based around the theme of Lead us to Living Water. It is based on the Sunday Gospel reading with reflections, colourful pictures, prayers and activities that the whole family can do together. Copies of this resource will be available in your parish on Sunday 26 February 2017, and for download on 20 February, click here.

Liturgical Ministry Courses 2017

The Office for Worship is offering Liturgical Ministry Courses which are open to all parishes and individuals seeking formation and training for serving at the altar. Held at the Diocesan Assembly Centre in Blacktown on Mondays and at St Nicholas of Myra Parish in Penrith on Thursdays, the formation courses are for anyone who is interested in becoming a Minister of the Word, Holy Communion, Communion to the Sick and Dying, Adult Altar Server or Acolyte. Download an enrolment form: 2017-LMC-Enrolment-Form-FEB(1). For more information, please contact the Office for Worship tel (02) 8838 3456 or send an email to MLWalsh@parra.catholic.org.auBookings close 16 February 2017.

Catholic Charismatic Renewal 50th Anniversary: 17-19 February 2017

Everyone is invited to join CCR’s Holy Spirit Mission for a weekend of Renewal, Restoration and Revival. Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will preside at the opening Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta on Friday 17 February 2017 at 7.30pm. On Saturday & Sunday, the program at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills, includes children’s ministry, Reconciliation from 1.00pm-2.00pm, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, closing Mass at 4pm on Sunday 19 February. Presenters include: the Archbishop of Canberra & Goulburn, Most Rev Christopher Prowse, and Fr Ken Barker MGL. Entry is free. For more information, click here.

This formation night for youth leaders is organised by Catholic Youth Parramatta and will give practical resources to help you lead your young people closer to Jesus and the Church, without wearing yourself out. From 7.00pm-9.00pm. Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 1 Wellgate Ave, Rouse Hill. To RSVP to the Facebook event, click here. Or contact Sr Rosie Drum MGL – CYP Assistant Director, tel 0407 938 196

Families of all ages welcome! 11am Holy Mass followed by BYO picnic. Afternoon program begins at 1.30pm with Input for Adults and program for children; 3pm Prayer followed by afternoon tea. Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Join us on Facebook. Free event but registration is essential, click here.

From Leòn to Santiago de Compostela (17 May to 5 June 2017). Catholic Mission’s pilgrimage balances walking and simple hospitality, with silence, personal reflection-prayer. Small group led by an experienced guide, Sr Veronica OP 0451 387 906; Bianca (02) 9919 7825. For more information send an email to assistantadmin@catholicmission.org.au

St Patrick’s Family Festival: 18 March 2017

Everyone is welcome to this festival hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta and the Life, Marriage & Family Office. Rides, food and entertainment from 2.00pm-5.00pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral Precinct, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. Visit parralmf.org.au/st-patricks-day

24 Hrs for the Lord – Living Water @ Schoenstatt Shrine: 24-25 March 2017

Come and spend some time with Our Lord and His Mother in the Schoenstatt Shrine during this very special 24 hours. This annual gathering will begin with Holy Mass at 6pm on Friday 24 March 2017 and finish with Holy Mass at 5pm on Saturday 25 March 2017. Reflection and music every hour for 30 minutes following by silent prayer. Reconciliation available. Accommodation at the retreat house is available for anyone who might wish to immerse themselves in this 24 hours. Join us on Facebook. Schoenstatt Shrine, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Inquiries & bookings tel (02) 4773 8338. If your parish or church group is interested in presenting an hour during the program please contact Ann-Maree Timmings tel (02) 4773 8338, manager@schoenstatt.org.au

By Fr Maurizio Pettenà, National Director, Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office Next week the Catholic Church in Australia will be celebrating the contribution Migrants have made in our communities....